The Role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (Esg) Factors in Industrial and Retail Real Estate Investment Decisions

The real estate industry has recently experienced a significant shift, with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors emerging as critical considerations in investment decision-making. ESG considerations are increasingly recognized across all sectors of real estate, including industrial and retail properties, as key determinants of sustainability, risk mitigation, and long-term value creation. Defined as the environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance practices of an asset or company (Glazerman & Cohen, 2020), ESG factors influence investor choices by promoting responsible business practices while enhancing economic and social outcomes. Industrial and retail properties are now scrutinized for their ESG performance, as investors seek to capitalize on opportunities, minimize risks, and contribute to sustainable development (Mejía-Escobar, González-Ruiz, & Duque-Grisales, 2020; Broadstock, Chan, Cheng, & Wang, 2020). This study highlights the pivotal role of ESG factors in shaping contemporary real estate investment strategies.